Cornwall College Launches Grant Offering Performance Opportunity at The Keay Theatre

Grant offers full access to The Keay Theatre and all profits from the show

Cornwall College St Austell is offering performers and community groups the rare opportunity to take over a professional theatre stage – and keep every penny from ticket sales.

The new ‘Key to The Keay’ grant will give two successful applicants a one-night slot to host their own event at The Keay Theatre in May 2026. The grant includes technical support, a consultation with the Theatre Manager, marketing promotion, and access to professional theatre facilities – completely free.

Even better, the winners will retain 100% of the profits from their show, giving them a potential launchpad to fund future creative work.

📷The Keay Theatre is open to the public year-round and hosts a variety of professional and student-led performances.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 26th October 2025. Cornwall College is encouraging a wide range of performers and groups to apply, including:

• Youth and school productions

• Charities

• Local theatre companies

• Individual performers

• Organisations promoting Cornish culture or education

Submissions can be made through the College’s website at www.cornwall.ac.uk/keaytheatre.

📷The Keay Theatre is open to the public year-round and hosts a variety of professional and student-led performances.

What’s on Offer?

The Keay Theatre, located in St Austell, is a fully equipped professional venue with:

• 224-seat auditorium

• Lighting rigs, high-spec sound and projection

• Dedicated dressing rooms

It has previously hosted a variety of performances from professional comedians like Mark Steel to full-scale productions such as Legally Blonde and Company B.

Assistant Principal and Head of Cornwall College St Austell, Laetitia Mayne, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to offer this opportunity to the community. The Keay Theatre has long been a space for creativity and collaboration, and we’re excited to open its doors to new voices and projects that deserve to be seen.”

The grant is part of Cornwall College’s effort to make the arts more accessible and open the doors of The Keay Theatre to those who may not usually have the platform.

To find out more about the venue and upcoming shows, visit www.keaytheatre.co.uk.

📷(L-R) Head of Campus David Atkinson-Beaumont, Deputy Head of Campus Laetitia Mayne, and Keay Theatre Manager Jonathan Stamp launch the new 'Key to The Keay' grant at Cornwall College St Austell.